Trump’s espionage demands action
To the Editor:
In early March, Jack Teixeira, the former Massachusetts Air National Guardsman who posted classified intelligence reports online, switched his plea to guilty in exchange for a sentence of 16 years in prison, avoiding espionage charges and a possible 60-year term.
Teixeira will be 38 when he's released as opposed to 82. Prosecutors found no evidence of espionage, he was just trying to impress his friends.
When I joined the Navy 64 years ago, my first assignment was a communications school in California. On day one the instructor announced; "Gentlemen, everything you will see in this school, everything you hear, everything you touch, is classified, don't talk about it outside this space." I thought, this ain't rocket science, I can do this. Jack Teixeira didn't get the same message apparently, and times do change.
The last 60 years have exposed a notable decrease in acceptable standards, a consequential loosening of moral and ethical principles and after three generations of depreciating parenting skills underscored by a lack of discipline and accountability, we find ourselves witnessing the collapse of American society leading to the irrefutable fact that simply telling the truth is as immaterial as violating an oath of office.
It seems to me that bad behavior has become the accepted norm in our homes, in our schools, the workforce and throughout our society in general. Consequently, the actions of the Jack Teixeira's of our world surprise me not at all. He was sent out into the human community unprepared for obligations, responsibilities or to be held accountable.
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Unlike the former president — who is best described as a sociopathic, narcissistic, incompetent, self-worshipping liar — who was sent out into the world fully cognizant and mindful that the crimes he was committing could lead to two impeachments and a 37-count indictment for stealing and storing some of the United States' most closely held secrets — including information about nuclear programs, defense vulnerabilities and attack plans — in his home at Mar-a-Lago, in a ballroom, a bathroom and shower, his bedroom, an office, a storage room, and then obstructed federal officials seeking their return.
Jack Teixeira has not been a free man since the day he was caught for what, in comparison, was a far lesser offense than that committed by Trump, crimes which had global repercussions affecting our national defense and our allies, gravely serious acts for which the former president may never be held accountable. Meanwhile he enjoys the luxury of his freedom to portray the prosecutor in the case (Jack Smith) as "deranged," a "thug," and of course, a "Trump hater."
That will appeal to the new Republican Party, the MAGA cult that Trump owns lock, stock and barrel. However, I lean toward more equitable disciplinary action befitting the enormity of Trump's crimes against the United States. As Saint Augustine would say, "Justice for the Unjust," the lower level of the Pompeii dungeon seems appropriate. I've been there and it's not a pleasant place.
David Snell
Franklin
